Summer in Seattle is finally starting to heat up and we want to give you the best tools to keep your home cool. You don't have to sacrifice design for functionality with these tips. Here are our favorite ways to beat the heat while still having that aesthetic appeal.

Cool off your yard with some backyard shade. Whether you create that shade naturally by planting trees or by using shade sails, adding a little bit of shade can cool down the area by 15 degrees.

Ceiling fans don't actually lower the temperature of a room, but they make you feel more comfortable. While moving the air, ceiling fans have taken on contemporary shapes that can seem more like a piece of art and a design element.

The lighter the color, the more heat will be reflected. Having a light colored roof will help reduce the heating of your home, ultimately lowering utility costs.

Instead of cooking inside your home, try cooking outside. Bring out the grill for summer dinners to escape the kitchen heat. Patio spaces are the perfect places to cook and spend time with the family.